# NTSB CHI86LA073: Piper PA-32-260, N3414W, Mechanicsburg, OH, January 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 18, 1986, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Mechanicsburg, OH
- Coordinates: 40.069351, -83.549049 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0694&lon=-83.5490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13413
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA073
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13413/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA073

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight encounter with weather, climb - to cruise
  - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - vfr flight into imc - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, climb - to cruise
  - remedial action - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ON A PERSONAL FLT WHEN IMC WAS ENCOUNTERED. THE PLT ELECTED TO CLIMB TO A CLEAR AREA ABOVE THE IMC WHEN THE ACFT BECAME TOTALLY 'SOCKED IN.' A 180 DEG TURN WAS MADE, VERTIGO WAS EXPERIENCED AND CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS LOST. AN EMERGENCY DESCENT WAS MADE AND CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS REGAINED AT 1500 FT MSL JUST BELOW THE CLOUD LAYER. IMC WAS ENTERED AGAIN WHEN THE DECISION WAS MADE TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. A PASTURE WAS SELECTED AND A LANDING WAS MADE. THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A POST ON ROLLOUT DAMAGING THE RIGHT WING AND SHEARING OFF THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3414W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3414W), registered now, S/N 32-276, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32276
- Airframe hours: 3074
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Parks L. Davis
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: I74, URBANA, OH
- Destination: 2I4, GROVE CITY, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 245 total, 158 in this make and model, 245 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,600 ft overcast
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CMH, 32 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860118002219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860118002219A), Jan 18, 1986: Piper PA32260, Mechanicsburg, OH, Substantial damage. Made a precautionary landing in a field and struck a steel post on rollout. Attempted climb through clouds.

## Other investigations on N3414W (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB MIA69D0237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA69D0237), Nov 8, 1968: Piper PA-32 (N3414W), Tallahassee, FL, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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